Wembanyama looks to bounce back as Spurs host Durant's Rockets in Austin after 1-for-13 opener
After a 1-for-13 shooting night in a loss to the Thunder, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs face Houston in Austin at 9.30am Saturday, Malaysia time.
Victor Wembanyama gets his first chance to respond to a frustrating season opener when the San Antonio Spurs play the Houston Rockets at the Moody Center in Austin on Friday night. The game tips off at 8.30pm local time, which is 9.30am on Saturday in Malaysia. It follows a 116-104 home defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in which the French star made just one of his 13 shots.
A rough night against the Thunder
Tuesday's opener was a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals, which San Antonio won. This time Oklahoma City were in control early. The Thunder made 10 of 14 three-pointers in the first half and led 65-44 at the break, Yahoo Sports reported.
Wembanyama missed his first 12 attempts, the worst shooting start of his career. He still finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, but his shooting set the tone for a difficult night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, and Jared McCain added 20 off the bench with a career-high six three-pointers.
The game also became heated. A scuffle after De'Aaron Fox brought down Chet Holmgren led to technical fouls for Wembanyama and three Thunder players, and a flagrant foul on Fox. Oklahoma City then went on a 22-3 run.
San Antonio did have some positives. Stephon Castle scored 24 points with seven rebounds, Dylan Harper added 18 despite tweaking his lower leg in the fourth quarter, and Fox had 14 points and seven rebounds. Afterwards, Wembanyama said he needed to get back to playing the basketball he enjoys.
Rockets arrive in form
Houston opened their season on Wednesday with a 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. both scored 30 points, while Alperen Sengun had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Fred VanVleet played his first regular-season game after missing all of last season with a torn right ACL, and he led the game with 11 assists. Durant praised the calming influence VanVleet brings to the team.
With Durant scoring and Sengun working inside, Houston will test a Spurs defence that gave up plenty of open shots to Oklahoma City.
Why the game is in Austin
The game is part of the Spurs' "Road to I-35" week in Austin, which runs from 19 to 24 October and includes fan events around the city. The Spurs are playing more games in the Texas capital this season, according to Axios.
It is the first game of a back-to-back for San Antonio, who visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
How to follow from Malaysia
Tip-off is at 9.30am on Saturday, 24 October, Malaysia time. In the United States, the game is streamed nationally on Prime Video.
Key takeaways
- Spurs v Rockets tips off at 9.30am Saturday, Malaysia time, at the Moody Center in Austin.
- Wembanyama shot 1-for-13 in the 116-104 opening loss to Oklahoma City but still had six blocks.
- Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 30 each as Houston beat Dallas 128-110.
- Fred VanVleet returned from a torn ACL with 11 assists.
- San Antonio play in Dallas the next night.
FAQ
What time is Spurs v Rockets in Malaysia? Tip-off is at 9.30am on Saturday, 24 October, Malaysia time.
How did Wembanyama play in the season opener? He scored 12 points on 1-for-13 shooting, with 13 rebounds and six blocks, as the Spurs lost 116-104 to the Thunder.
Why are the Spurs playing in Austin? The game is part of the Spurs' "Road to I-35" week, with more games scheduled at the Moody Center this season.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, The Sports Leader, NBA.com, Axios